Provence has a wide selection of souvenirs you can bring back from Provence to relieve the Provencal experience at home. At Cooking Classes in Provence, we have put together a list of the items you will want to bring back so you can relive the gastronomic delights of the region:
Calissons
Calissons, pictured above, are a mouthwatering almond-shaped delight, made with candied fruit and ground almonds, and topped with icing. Being a firm favourite in Provence, you can find these delicious almond candies in bakeries, shops, and at the local markets throughout the region.
Nougat
Provencal nougat is one of the annual thirteen desserts of Christmas. There are white and dark varieties, often made of honey and almonds. These delicious nougats are perfect to bring back with you, enjoying them at home to relive the Provencal experience, or share with family and friends.
Herbes de Provence
Provence is well-known for its selection of aromatic and flavourful herbs, used to season a variety of dishes from seafood and chicken to gratins. Herbes de Provence is a blend on rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, fennel, and marjoram, though variations do vary. Taking a few packs of Herbes de Provence home is a great way to live you southern France experience.
Anything Lavender
Provence is known for its beautiful lavender fields in the summer months that light up the hills with a purple glow and allows a wonderful fragrance to permeate throughout the region. Lavender infused honey is a great souvenir to take home, ideal for gifts or to enjoy on your own when you want to relive your holiday experience.
Provencal Wine
Provence is known for its local vineyards and wine tours. Add a few bottles of delicious local rose to your suitcase to enjoy when you return home. If you chose to do a cooking class in Provence, you can pair your wine with the dish you learned, bringing a touch of Provence into your home, wherever you are in the world.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used in every dish made in Provence. Olive groves can be found throughout the region, including some excellent olive tasting tours. Be sure to take a few bottles of Provencal olive oil home with you, enabling you to relive your favourite moments in the long run.
Chocolate
Provence has some of the best chocolate-makers in the world. Puyricard is a family run business, well-known in Provence for making some of the best hand crafted chocolates. This is an opportunity to indulge after a meal with family and friends once you are back in your home country.
Your Recipe Card
One of the best ways to explore local customs and traditions in Provence is taking a cooking class with a local and experienced chef. These classes are offered in your holiday home kitchen or at a workshop kitchen in the area. Each class is a hands-on experience, where you learn how to make traditional Provençal dishes. At the end of the class you are given a recipe card for the dishes you learned, enabling you to recreate them at home, relieving your Provencal experience.
Conclusion
Visiting Provence is a delight for anyone that loves food, culture, and history. In order to relieve your experience at home, there are some culinary necessities you will want to take home with you, from the delicious local rose wines to calissons, and Herbes de Provence to lavender-infused honey, chocolates, and of course your recipe cards from your Cooking Classes in Provence experience. Book your cooking class today with Chef Clement by contacting Cooking Classes in Provence without delay.
